Route:From Challenger PointInfo: The snow crossing on the avenue was maybe 20-25 feet across. No traction or axe needed, I just used trekking poles but they weren‘t necessary. I uploaded a couple photos - Go get it!

Route:North RidgeInfo: North ridge is an awesome route if you want to try something different above Willow Lake.
The snow on the Ave is a non-issue at this point - I carried an ice axe and crampons all the way up there, since I had to use the Avenue to get down, but I walked right through without even considering pulling them out.
The mosquitoes are horrible at the trailhead and down low, but not nearly as bad as I expected once you get to the lake and above.

Route:From Challenger PointInfo: Did Kit Carson and Challenger in the fog on Sunday. Three of us went, we used crampons on the 100 yard snow field on the avenue but was not necessary if you are confident with your footing. Used poles to stabilize us to cross over the snow.

Route:From Challenger PointInfo: Summitted Kit Carson via Challenger roundtrip from the parking lot this morning. Makes for a very long day. On the way up Challenger there is a single snow field that must be crossed, its 6 or 7 steps. We watched a group turn around because they didn‘t have axes at about 6:30am. The snow was hard freeze and very difficult to kick steps in, they went further up and out along the ridge instead of crossing.
On the avenue to Kit Carson there is a small snowfield covering the avenue completely in two spots. We did not use crampons or spikes but did use axes. Early in the day the snow was hard frozen and kicking steps was challenging, coming back later the snow was a breeze. I wouldn‘t try this without an axe and if you are very early in the morning I would want at least spikes too (depends on freeze from night before), we crossed around 9am and snow was still firm, we passed someone who said it was very sketchy earlier..
Update: Added some pictures, we crossed to KC at 0836 (1st photo) and back at 1050 (2nd and 3rd photos), on the way across the snow was frozen solid and there were not good steps kicked in, which made it sketchy. On the way back we kicked in large steps and the crossing was simple without issues. I imagine now with steps its much easier, the snow is super cruddy and will be gone within 2 weeks.

Route:North RidgeInfo: Climbed Kit Carson via the North Ridge and summited Challenger Point via the Avenue. The approach to the ridge had a couple minor snow crossings that could have easily been avoided. The ridge was an absolute blast but it began raining which certainly made for a more interesting climb. The avenue between Challenger and Kit Carson has a very short snow section, but it makes for a very steep grade. In our group of 3, 2 of us used axes and the 3rd used an axe and spike. I‘d recommend both as it would depend on snow conditions and comfort of the individual climber. Snow was very soft when we crossed.

Route:From Challenger PointInfo: Planned to do the North Ridge, but after waking up at 2am to a rain storm I decided I wanted no part of slippery wet class 4 rock.. First part of the avenue has avoidable snow, after it turns at the top of The Prow, the second section has a steep exposed snow field. Crampons and axe were necessary to cross this safely. Snow was ice in spots, firm in others, and occasionally soft near rocks. Self arrest could be questionable. Bring appropriate gear, trust your skills and don‘t look down! Probably will have snow for a couple weeks longer.

Route:Outward Bound CouloirInfo: Climbed outward bound couloir to the alley way. Alley way is clear of snow enough to require no crampons except the last 100 feet at the bottom before turning upward. We boot packed nice steps in the snow and it could probably be done with just microspikes now. Summitted, then took standard route back to Challenger and down. Great conditions. Mosquitos were bad by the lake but such is life with this time of year. Get after it!

Route:From Challenger PointInfo: Started up Kirk‘s at 0600 and found it to be in very good condition; hardly any boot penetration. From the col the north facing KC Ave was very firm, albeit exposed. Once I made the turn around onto the West and Southwest aspect of the Ave (~0900) the snow conditions were extremely soft (soft snow cone) and frequently collapsing under foot. I made it down to the next notch and then retraced my steps back to the col; concerned that the steps/handrail would deteriorate further with another hour plus for to summit and descend.

Route:Outward Bound CouloirInfo: * From TH to first ridge there is snow in the trees, not terrible.
* From first ridge (sunny side) to the stream crossing is almost all dry.
* From the stream crossing to the headwall there is plenty of snow.
* From headwall to the lake is deep snow. Firm enough in the mornings, but without floatation in the afternoon you are going to posthole the whole way. Even with shoes it‘s not that fun.
* From lake to bottom of the OB its off and on but snowshoes were helpful for a good portion of it, especially after noon.
* The OB is in good shape, the bottom part has a little unconsolidated here and there underneath a crust, with consolidated pack under that, the upper part is very firm.
* The back side of KC is holding a pretty good snow pack, in varying condition. I was off by 11 and glad to be.

Route: Spanish Creek to Cole CouloirInfo: Spanish Creek to the Cole Couloir. Spanish Creek has no real trail and quite a few downed trees. The skiing conditions are excellent and it goes from the summit! Great day out with Money Mike, Dr_Jon and Krullin_14ers.

Route: South Colony Lakes approachInfo: Climbed Kit Carson, Challenger, and Columbia from the south colony lakes side. There was minor snow along the entire route, with some areas with drifts ~2-3‘ deep.
The avenue is full of snow, but its soft sugar snow that‘s easy to plunge step though.

Route:North RidgeInfo: As of 9/14, there are no condition changes from capetrekker‘s report on 9/11. Just confirming excellent conditions on the North Ridge, the Avenue and the descent down Challenger Point. Very fun route to the summit! Not so much descending Challenger‘s north slope--we carried poles and were glad we had them coming down.

Route:Willow Creek ApproachInfo: Still summer conditions. I‘ve read on here that side skirting Challenger on the way back from Kit Carson can be a pain, but it really was not that bad. Just try to stay on the stable rocks (there are plenty) and you‘ll be fine.